Rural airports that are heavily used by military aircraft would be eligible for federal support to help maintain commercial air service, under legislation introduced by Oregon Sens. Jeff Merkley (D) and Ron Wyden (D). The measure would make it easier for rural airports at which military operations make up more than 10 percent of total airport operations to qualify for subsidies under the Essential Air Service program, according to a news release. The senators — along with Oregon Rep. Greg Walden (R), who is introducing a companion bill in the House — want Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport, home of the Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing, to become eligible for federal assistance needed to attract air carriers.